6 wacky and out-there beers that are sure to impress your friends

Gone are the days when you say “beer” to someone and they conjure up a mental picture of a watery American lager — even though those do have their time and place.

Beer is having its moment right now, and that moment is not about to end anytime soon. Celebrate all of the cool choices out there by offering your friends something a little different at the next dinner gathering.

Here are several of our favorites, grouped into categories so you can zero in on whatever you’re craving. Bottoms up!

Fruity

Serendipity by New Glarus Brewing Company

If you’re anything like us, you love fruity beers in the summer. When the cooler weather hits, however, fruity beers get more complex, and they’re definitely worth trying. This year, Serendipity by New Glarus Brewing is on our radar. Made with notes of apples, cherries and cranberries, it’s great for cooler weather.

Salty

Imperial Oyster Stout by Great Lakes Brewing Company

The coastal crowd will adore this oyster stout, we’re betting — and no, it’s not like swallowing an entire oyster in a shooter at the raw bar. Rich and full-bodied with a hint of salt, this high-gravity pick is perfect for sharing among friends with a hearty meal.

Spicy

Ghostface Killah by Twisted Pine Brewing Company

Everyone has that one daredevil friend who is willing to put his or her physical health on the line for the sake of showbiz, and this scorching selection from Twisted Pine Brewing is sure to keep the night burning like a disco inferno. Don’t say we didn’t warn you — and don’t say we didn’t tell you to keep bread and milk handy!

Botanical

Two Flowers IPA by Coalition Brewing

At this point, most of us have heard things about CBD, THC’s legal counterpart from the cannabis plant. Perfect for adventurous, earthy types — or anyone interested in CBD as an alternative health supplement — this herbal beer from Coalition, the first of its kind, is sure to spark the discussion.

Bloom by Smuttynose Short Batch

Here’s a bonus plant-y beer for you east coasters. It’s a beer made with a variety of plants, such as roses, yarrow, lavender, chamomile, elder flowers, calendula, nasturtium and dianthus! It’s like a bouquet in your mouth.

Sweet

Sweet Baby Jesus by DuClaw

Finish out the night of testing these amazing beers with a dessert brew sure to make you gasp its name in joy. Sweet Baby Jesus tastes like chocolate and peanut butter — the fanatics say it’s like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Sweet!